What Is a Naked Wedding Cake?
A naked wedding cake is a trendy, minimalist dessert with visible sponge layers and minimal frosting — no fondant or thick icing. This cake style is all about natural beauty, often decorated with fresh fruit, flowers, or herbs. It’s perfect for rustic, boho, or modern weddings, and works with any color palette or season.
Why Choose a Naked Cake for Your Wedding?
Couples love naked cakes for their homemade charm and customizable look. They’re ideal for DIY brides, eco-conscious weddings, or anyone looking to skip the heavy fondant. Naked cakes are:
- Lightweight and less sweet than traditional cakes
- Easy to match with your wedding florals or theme
- Budget-friendly if baked at home
Naked Wedding Cake Decoration Ideas
Your naked cake can be as simple or detailed as you like. Here are a few creative ways to decorate:
- Fresh berries and fruit: strawberries, figs, blueberries, grapes
- Edible flowers: pansies, roses, chamomile (always check they’re food-safe)
- Greenery: rosemary, eucalyptus, mint
- Custom toppers: calligraphy name signs, initials, or fun phrases
- Seasonal themes: pinecones for winter, citrus slices for summer
💡 Pro tip: Use blooms from your bridal bouquet to tie the whole wedding look together. Just make sure your guests know the flowers are decorative!
Easy Naked Wedding Cake Recipe (DIY)
Want to bake your own naked cake for your wedding or bridal shower? Here’s a basic, tried-and-true recipe.
Ingredients for Bottom Layers (makes one layer):
- 170 g unsalted butter
- 170 g icing sugar
- 170 g all-purpose flour
- 4–5 g baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for Top Layers (makes one layer):
- 110 g unsalted butter
- 110 g icing sugar
- 110 g self-raising flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the buttercream filling:
- Unsalted butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- (Optional: mascarpone, vanilla, lemon zest)
How to Make It – Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease three 8-inch and three 6-inch round pans.
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Sift in the flour and fold gently into the batter.
- Divide the mixture into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and springy.
- Cool completely, then level the tops for even layers.
- For the buttercream, beat butter and condensed milk until fluffy.
- Stack the layers with cream between each, finishing with a thin outer coat to leave the edges slightly exposed — that’s the signature naked cake look!
Final Assembly Tips
- Place bottom layers on a sturdy cake board.
- Insert cake dowels or skewers for support if you’re stacking tiers.
- Decorate with your chosen fresh elements right before serving.
How Many Layers?
You can bake as many layers as you like, but we suggest 5 base layers + 5 top layers. This height looks impressive but remains stable and easy to handle — ideal for weddings!
Would you bake your naked wedding cake, or do you prefer ordering one from a professional? Either way, it’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight!